This week in boys basketball: Feb. 13-19

San Marin and Terra Linda both failed to qualify for the MCAL playoffs, but the coaches of both teams said Tuesday that they will be applying for the North Coast Section playoffs.

For Terra Linda, it is eligible despite losing overall and league records because it defeated San Marin last Thursday to finish with a winning record against Division III teams.

San Marin, with a winning overall record, also is eligible — but it was no sure thing the Mustangs would apply to be part of the field after John Seavey and Manny Wilkins were ejected from the TL contest after a late-game scuffle.

San Marin coach Craig Pitti said the Mustangs will apply for the NCS field with the hopes the team can win its opener, then have Seavey and Wilkins available for a second-round game.

For more on the situation, keep reading.
Pitti actually had hoped that video evidence could be used to show Seavey did nothing to merit his ejection from that game, thus overturning a one-game suspension that follows any player or coach ejection. The rules in place actually prevented the appeal from going forward.
But Pitti said he hopes that Seavey’s case could lead to a rules change, where video evidence could be used to re-examine situations where punishments will carry over to future games.
Here is Pitti’s play-by-play of how his appeal went down:

“I sent off the clip of the ejection to the officials and the commissioner,” Pitti said. “In the state bylaws, video is not allowed to be used to question officials’ judgment in any matter possible. The officials did respond letting me know that that was the case.
“It’s unfortunate, because I think the video shows that it’s not exactly the supposed melee that a lot of people presumed it to be. John actually doesn’t make contact with the kid after the first foul. I’ve looked at the tape many times in slo-mo and there’s definitely some words exchanged and a lot of emotion and temper that came out of both players, but he doesn’t actually strike the kid in any way. So I was just hoping that the film would exonerate him in their eyes, but they’re not allowed to go back and look at that.
“The head of the officials association actually has sent off that clip and my email to the CIF state level just as a reason to say in the future, ‘Would it be possible to look at a potential rule change in situations where you have punitive punishments that would be carried on to make sure that it was handled correctly.’ ”

BRANSON (18-8, 10-4)Last week: Beat Tam 62-48, lost to Novato 34-33This week: Tuesday vs. Novato (winner advances in MCAL playoffs)The skinny: The Bulls have shown they can compete with any team in the league, but they have yet to defeat Novato in two regular-season meetings. Branson’s defense can keep it in any game, but the Bulls may need to boost their scoring totals past the 39 and 33 points they mustered against Novato in the first two contests. If Branson wins Tuesday, it would face Marin Catholic in the MCAL semifinals on Friday.

DRAKE (17-9, 12-2)Last week: Lost to Redwood 47-42, beat Tam 58-47This week: Thursday vs. TBA at Redwood (winner advances to MCAL playoffs final)The skinny: The Pirates will face the lowest-seeded team remaining in the MCAL semifinals. Drake defeated No. 6 Novato twice this season, split two games with No. 5 Redwood by two points and defeated No. 4 Justin-Siena twice (by a combined seven points). The Pirates also are playing for a favorable seed in the North Coast Section playoffs – they are ranked seventh in Division III among NCS teams by Calpreps.com.

JUSTIN-SIENA (20-6, 9-5)Last week: Beat Terra Linda 59-44, lost to Marin Catholic 57-53This week: Tuesday vs. Redwood (winner advances in MCAL playoffs)The skinny: The Braves defeated Redwood 49-48 in the lone regular-season meeting of the teams and will have the home-court advantage in the rematch. A victory would send Justin-Siena into the semifinals against either No. 1 Drake or No. 2 Marin Catholic.

MARIN CATHOLIC (21-5, 11-3)Last week: Lost to San Marin 57-49, beat Justin-Siena 57-53This week: Friday vs. TBA at Redwood (winner advances to MCAL playoffs final)The skinny: The Wildcats, the No. 2 seed, will play Branson in the MCAL semifinals if the Bulls top Novato but would face the Redwood–Justin-Siena winner should Novato top Branson on Tuesday. MC lost to Branson in the lone meeting of the teams but was a combined 3-0 against Justin-Siena and Redwood.

NOVATO (13-12, 7-7)Last week: Beat San Rafael 60-58, beat Branson 34-33This week: Tuesday vs. Branson at COM (winner advances in MCAL playoffs)The skinny: The Hornets will try for the hat trick against Branson needing a victory to become eligible for the NCS playoffs. Novato defeated the Bulls both at Novato and at COM during the regular season. Despite its two wins, Novato again will be the road team for the MCAL playoff game. If the Hornets prevail, they would meet No. 1 Drake in the semifinals. If they lose, their 13-13 overall record as well a 7-8 league record and 7-7 mark against Division III teams would keep them out of the NCS field.

REDWOOD (16-10, 8-6)Last week: Beat Drake 47-42, beat San Rafael 52-34This week: Tuesday at Justin-Siena (winner advances in MCAL playoffs). The game will be carried on KVYN-FM (99.3). Online, check www.kvyn.comThe skinny: The Giants will try to avenge a one-point loss to Justin-Siena in their MCAL playoff opener in Napa. Redwood finished the regular season on a 6-1 during which they played like the team that coaches thought would contend for the league championship. If Redwood wins its opener, it could face either No. 1 Drake or No. 2 Marin Catholic.

SAN MARIN (14-12, 5-9)Last week: Beat Marin Catholic 57-49, lost to Terra Linda 57-41This week: Did not qualify for MCAL playoffs.The skinny: The Mustangs suffered a crushing setback against Terra Linda in their regular-season finale, losing more than the game with the late-game ejection of John Seavey and Manny Wilkins as the result of an on-court scuffle. Those ejections – and automatic upcoming one-game suspensions for the two players – had coach Craig Pitti questioning whether the team would apply to be part of the NCS field. Pitti said since that game, he and the San Marin players have decided to apply for an NCS playoff spot.

SAN RAFAEL (9-17, 3-11)Last week: Lost to Novato 60-58, lost to Redwood 52-34This week: Season is complete.The skinny: The Bulldogs needed two wins last week to keep their postgame hopes alive but got neither.

TAM (7-19, 1-13)Last week: Lost to Branson 62-48, lost to Drake 58-47This week: Season is complete.The skinny: Injuries and inexperience hurt the Hawks this season, but don’t bet against them being vastly improved next season.

TERRA LINDA (10-16, 4-10)Last week: Lost to Justin-Siena 59-44, beat San Marin 57-41This week: Did not qualify for MCAL playoffs.The skinny: The Trojans didn’t make the MCAL playoffs, but they are alive for an NCS berth thanks to a winning record against Division III teams. The Trojans could have guard Markus Robinson back from a broken finger but will be without Charles Orleans, who faces a mandatory one-game suspension after being ejected in TL’s regular-season finale.

MARIN ACADEMY (13-12, 4-6)Last week: Beat Drew 59-30, lost to University 67-49This week: Did not qualify for BCL West playoffs.The skinny: The Wildcats missed a chance to qualify for their four-team league playoffs by finishing fifth, but will have time to work on a few things before the NCS playoffs begin. According to Calpreps.com, MA is ranked No. 7 among NCS Division V teams.

TOMALES (10-10, 6-8)Last week: Lost to St. Vincent 44-41, lost to Rio Lindo Adventist 49-39This week: Tuesday at Roseland University Prep in Castleberry Tournament.The skinny: With a victory over Rio Lindo Adventist last Friday, the Braves would have finished with a winning overall record and a winning record against Division VI teams. Instead, Tomales’ .500 overall mark and 4-5 record against Division VI teams means the only way for the Braves to make the NCS field would be to beat Roseland and then win again in the semifinals to guarantee a winning overall record.

27 Responses to This week in boys basketball: Feb. 13-19

Poor writeup on the Novato Branson game. Novato was up 4 at the start of the 4th quarter. They had all the momentum and Damien Smith was dominating. Even Coach Tovani would have to admit that. Then he sprained his ankle. The article said they outscored Novato 15-4 in the last 6 minutes. Hmmm, guess when Damien sprained his ankle? On top of that Niko Young fouled out with 3 minutes left. Novato still had a chance but missed shots down the stretch. Give credit to Branson, they did shoot well. I just don’t understand how in the playoffs you can write so little about a good game. Semis matchups are going to be good. Maybe the IJ will cover a bit more. This wasn’t good reporting to a solid effort by both teams. I think if Damien hadn’t hurt his ankle, Novato might have pulled out a 3rd straight on Branson. He was the best player on the floor tonight.

After Redwood beat Justin-Sienna on the road they have come a long way’s this season. Winning 7 out of their last 8 games and with possibly the best player in MCAL’S 6’6 Senior Matt Mareno the giants have all the momentum heading into the MCAL SEMI’S VS. Drake. However Marin Catholic will face a Branson team coming off a huge win in which they displayed some very good shooting. Bottom line Redwood beats Drake at home and MC edges Branson, expect Ahern to have a big game.

Nice call by Missing Details !! That game writeup was not indicative of the game that was played. IJ, why is the coverage so thin ? These are playoff games. We have to rely on some exhausted coaches call to get in the paper ? Dave Curtis thank you for all you do !!! I think High school sports sells newspapers and the effort made by the IJ outside of a few people {Dave being one} is less than adequate. More sports coverage and less articles about some crazy lady from San Anselmo and her native butterfly collection !!!

I do think there should be video evidence and a chance of a appeal. Sensible rule change. Not being at the game but just going by the write-up it sounds like there was a fight that he was involved with EVEN if he did not do anything physical. That is ground for an ejection. May sound harsh but something like that should be in place.

It is ridiculous that the county championships continue to be played at Redwood. It is the biggest gym and has the most parking, but it isn’t a neutral site. Dominican would make more sense. I realize parking would be a problem and capacity is a little smaller, but it would be a better situation then giving Redwood a home game.

MCAL 2012 PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!!
Two big games Redwood vs Drake and MC VS Branson
Redwood VS. MC final
Matt Mareno vs David Ahern should be an epic battle if it’s the case they are by far the best player’s in the MCAL and depeding which team claims the title will be the MCAL POY of the 2012 season. Drake did finish in 1st place and with Joey Euphrat leading the pirates we should have a good NCS Playoff run as well for MCAL hoop teams

on Redwood’s gym. People have made comments over the years about the playoffs being there but they get brushed aside. Fact is there has been no advantage. Players are used to playing there and it is the best place to host the games. Redwood vs a team from outside of MCAL sure but inside no matter at all.

Drake comes out with a tough win over Redwood and look like the top team. However Marin Catholic is favored to beat Branson. Drake was able to beat a hot Redwood team and give credit to Matt Mareno who finished with 31 points 10 Rebounds.

Well Branson over MC. They did it again. Maybe they got kind of lucky beating Novato but they seem to have MC’s number, well better than anyone else in the league.
After the scores I think you still got to give the MVP to Mareno, hands down he was the best player in the league.. Ahern is good and the clear second vote getter but no doubt the MVP is Mareno.
Both Drake and Branson should get a couple first-teamers and second team. No idea who will win the game between the two. I guess I’ll go with Branson but if Drake can get on a good roll to start the game or the start of the second half they can roll with it.

I thought the best team on the court for the Championship game was Drake. Branson does have a way with defense and tripped them up with Zone. Some bad calls on Drake by the refs……..
especially a traveling call on Hunt that could have tied the game. I would love to be able to see that on tape. But it is what it is. And too bad for Novato that Damian Smith got hurt during their playoff game…….They seem to be the only team that had Branson’s real number. I am certain they would have beat them a third time had Smith not gone down. Interesting season in all.
Can’t decide on POY- Who decides anyways?

Congrats to Branson on the title. I don’t think they are the best team but it is one and done and they kept at it to win it all. I think Redwood would have beaten them and MC over Drake but the matchups worked out well for Branson and good win over MC.
Good luck to the teams in NCS. Redwood has been playing better so maybe they can pull of some wins. MC is the two seed but no one now should be overlooked.

playascout- You could say that about any of the top 5 teams in MCAL this year. On any given night …….don’t forget Branson had 4 losses, 2 of the to Novato, one to Redwood and 1 to JS. Drake only 2. MC only 3. Anyone could say that any of those top five teams Drake, MC, JS, Redwood and Branson could be the best team in MCAL on any given night. However, in my opinion the best team on the court the Champ night was Drake.

@ Earth….I agree– best team on court was Drake but best coach was on Branson’s bench. I’m tired of some of these MCAL coaches who REFUSE to play zone defense because it’s: (1)less manly (2)lazier (3)bad rebounding set (4) pick your own excuse. The fact is: If you don’t play a ZONE D….you don’t know how to beat a ZONE D. 1 point in Q3 sealed it!! Hint: You break a ZONE D form the inside/out…not a perimeter passing game which Drake tried to do.

earth, imho, the bottom line is who wins the championship. Losses occur during the course of a season, in any sport. What matters is who wins the last game. Branson proved that they are better than MC and Drake, having beaten them twice and ultimately when it mattered most, the playoffs, with everytihng on the line. As for POY, i think it comes down to Mareno and Ahern. Nod goes to Ahern as he makes the rest of his team better while still getting his points.

For the past two years Redwood coach Steve Compagno has had some of the best players in the league. I wonder if this is a coaching problem or a player problem? He just doesn’t seem to have the ability to put players in a position to win, unlike Marin Catholics coach.

I give tovani credit, but I also give Donellan credit…….how many times he helped Drake come back from deficits and win the game this year. They almost did it again on Champ night but a travel was called instead of what could have been a three point play. Tovani is a great coach and does get the credit he deserves. Lets face it, I give all these coaches great credit for their efforts and time given to the kids and basketball program in general.

Steve Compagno from what I can tell is a very bad coach. From what it seems he’s very enthusiatic and good at firing up his players but had no sense of how to put his players in positions to succeed. in my opinion they had the most talent this year, and arguably top 2 talent the year before and drastically underacheived…that comes back to the coach. Doesn’t get his best players in good spots, or even other players where they can take advantage of their strengths.

Branson defense was quite impressive and their ability to shut down the Top seeded Drake Pirates was remarkable. Credit to Coach Bret Tovani for inserting the zone defense on Drake in the second half. Clearly his coaching at the coaching level has given him an edge versus the rest of the MCAL coaches. Tovani coaching and defensive schemes have earned Branson a leauge title, and a deep run into the NCS playoffs. Also Branson does not have the indivudal talent as a Marin Catholic,Redwood, or even Drake. Bottom line the Bulls made a great run this season and congrats to the program. As for POY David Ahern or Matt Mareno were by far the most talented players in MCAL. However they were unable to reach the MCAL finals and were elimnated in NCS playoffs Redwood (1st round) Marin Catholic (2nd round). Matt Mareno was 2nd in MCAL’S in scoring and 1st in rebounds, Ahern lead the county in scoring with over 21 pts a game. Matt Mareno has 31 pts 10 rebounds 7 Blocks 6 Assists versus Drake in the MCAL playoffs. Therfore I give the edge to Mareno due to his veristility and all-around play.

?Um no. Did you forget that Redwood won MCAL and NCS three years ago under Compagno. They just haven’t had the firepower the last couple of years. The 3-8 guys are important and Redwood’s groups hasn’t been that strong but I don’t see how you could blame him for that. I think he is one of the best coaches in MCAL.

I’m pretty sure its evident that the Redwood squad that won MCALs and NCS a couple years ago hardly needed a coach. You would have to be one one hell of a terrible coach to mess that up. He got lucky with a group of really talented seniors who had unbelievable chemistry together. From my point of view, he’s had some really good players or “firepower” the last two years and has settled to be a middle of the pack team, although if you were to base MCAL rankings on player talent alone the last two years, you’d have to put Redwood in the top 2.

Dude, that is just an absurd comment. There have been many a team with top talent who don’t do squat. They won MCAL and NCS!!! A good coach is needed to do that and have things work well.
Done with this convo

Anonymous-. No matter what the talent, you need a good coach to help you along. There is no way that a bad coach would have made it that far with those boys a few years back………and he helped them be THAT good and chemistry and everything had to play into it. Just face it. Redwood just didn’t have the horsepower (not to say they did not have talented kids this year or last) but the total horsepower and the chemistry with this particular team……it panned out the way it did. STOP BLAMING COACHES. it is a little bit of everything………talent, luck, coaching, chemistry…………….I would say that about every team in MCAL…….